Caring for Yourself:
Life is full of moments worth celebrating: Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, job promotions, births, weddings, the list goes on and on. But what about the daily challenges we overcome? What about getting through the day without shedding a tear, or quitting a job, or giving up on your dreams? Sometimes, we have to pat ourselves on the back, cheer for our own wins, and learn to celebrate little moments for ourselves.
01. Find the silver lining
To celebrate little moments, the first step is to find the silver lining. It’s an old phrase, but one that still holds true today: “Every cloud has a silver lining.” Life can be challenging. It can be downright difficult. But there is always a bright side if we are determined to find it.
At the time I’m writing this article, I am currently participating in the American Cancer Society’s October walk-a-thon. I have committed to walking 62 miles during the month of October. That equals 2 miles per day. While this isn’t always a challenge, at times it can be challenging for me. I am a cancer survivor. During my life-saving surgery, a nerve in my leg was severed. For the last twelve years, my left leg and foot have been numb. I walk with a slight limp commonly known as hip-drop.
BUT, the silver lining in this is that I am cancer free and I can walk. At one point I thought I may not ever walk again without the use of a cane. So every day I am able, I choose to see that limp as a silver lining.
I’m sure you have similar situations; moments that may not be perfect, but you choose to see the bright side and find your silver lining. That is how you celebrate little moments. One mile at a time. One step at a time. One dark cloud at a time.
02. Recognize that time is precious
One day I woke up and wondered how I was 35 years old. It seemed as if I slept once or twice and woke up wondering how I was 53 years old. Time is funny that way.
In my lifetime I have gained and lost many friendships and relationships. One thing I have learned is that time is precious. The days and years slip by almost unnoticed. So celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and promotions, but remember to celebrate little moments like a first apartment, a new set of dishes, a vacation, or that first sip of coffee in the early morning sunrise.
One way I am loving to mark time and celebrate life’s little moments is by jotting down one good thing or memory on my monthly calendar. I have recently started this practice and it has become one of my very favorite things to do. At this point, my entire September calendar is filled with happy memories where we celebrated little moments.
03. Embrace the joy of living
Let’s be honest, not every moment, not every day is filled with celebration. We have hard days. There are difficult circumstances. Life is challenging.
When we embrace the simple joys in living, we find it easy to celebrate little moments. Maybe I’m a hopeless romantic, maybe it’s because I’ve stared death in the face, but I believe most days are chock full of surprises we can celebrate.
Right now, I’m sitting in my living room typing this article for you. I just make the first almond milk cinnamon hot cocoa of the season. Why? Because I’m celebrating. What am I celebrating? Well, I’m celebrating the candles on the coffee table that smell like fall. I’m celebrating the display shelves in the kitchen that I filled with Halloween decor today. And I’m celebrating that one of my favorite content creators put out a new video this week and I get to snuggle in and watch. I’m celebrating my husband’s first long distance night flight taking place this very minute. And I’m celebrating the thought that I get to crawl into fresh clean crisp sheets this evening.
These are little moments but they it is vitally important to celebrate little moments.
04. Caring for yourself
I think it’s a danger we all face that we are willing and excited to celebrate with others, but fail to celebrate ourselves. I don’t say that with pride, but with a humble heart. So many people I meet are struggling with something. We are all struggling with something. It’s when we find joy and celebration in the tiniest of moments… a new shower gel, a new haircut, a morning to sleep in just a few extra minutes, a fresh bag of coffee, crisp clean cotton sheets… that is when our days turn brighter, we embrace the preciousness of time, and we find the silver linings in our clouds.
Don’t wait for the big things only. Celebrate every breath you breathe, celebrate every walk you take, celebrate every good thing that brings your heart joy.
Tell me in the comments below your favorite way to celebrate little moments.
